Reality TV star, model, and actor Akintayo John Faniran — popularly known as Tayo Faniran — is once again reminding fans that every success story has its humble beginnings. The Big Brother Africa Season 9 runner-up got real during a candid chat on Nollywood On Radio, opening up about a chapter of his life many didn’t see coming. Tayo shared how, long before the fame, flashing cameras, and global spotlight, he used to hustle by buying and selling second-hand clothes, popularly known as “Okrika.”
According to Tayo, those tough early days taught him one priceless skill — spotting opportunities where others might see struggle. He revealed that being street-smart and open-minded helped him push past obstacles and create the life he has today. The model also humbly admitted that he’s the least educated member of his family, holding only a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Maritime Studies, but that never stopped him from excelling.
Tayo fondly recalled his school days, saying that his teachers always praised him for his intelligence and would even brag about him to his parents. His story is now inspiring many young Nigerians to believe that no beginning is too small for greatness.
“I remember those days when I used to go to Kantangua to buy Okrika and re-sell. I remember how I used to get clothing materials; take them to a tailor to give me a great design when I couldn’t afford designers. I am a thorough Oyo born. I don’t lie and pretend about that. I’m a Yoruba boy first and foremost, and I don’t hide that fact; neither am I ashamed of my origin. I speak a lot of Yoruba, but people don’t know,” he said.